Jennifer McCollum

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Jennifer McCollum

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Friendship High School

Bachelor's

North Carolina State University, 1995

Personal

Birthplace

Raleigh, N.C.

Profession

Business consultant

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Jennifer McCollum ran for election to the Raleigh City Council to represent District B in North Carolina. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

McCollum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jennifer McCollum was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from Friendship High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University in 1995. Her career experience includes working as a business consultant.

Elections

2024

See also: City elections in Raleigh, North Carolina (2024)

General election

General election for Raleigh City Council District B

Incumbent Megan Patton defeated Jennifer McCollum in the general election for Raleigh City Council District B on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Megan Patton (Nonpartisan)	54.3	23,138
		Jennifer McCollum (Nonpartisan)	45.1	19,221
		Other/Write-in votes	0.6	246

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 42,605
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McCollum in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jennifer McCollum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McCollum's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Jennifer McCollum, a lifelong resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, graduated from North Carolina State University in 1995. She earned a B.A. in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations, and a minor in Political Science. Her professional journey includes experience in public relations, running her own local business, and holding various roles in the life sciences, including sales, training, and management. Currently, Jennifer works as a corporate liaison in the behavioral health sector, collaborating with clinical leaders across North Carolina and neighboring states to advocate for enhanced mental health services. She is also a devoted mother of two young adults.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• For me, the election goes beyond politics. I feel a personal connection to the goal of securing a successful and sustainable future for Raleigh. I aspire to help shape a vibrant and resilient city for future generations, where my own children can grow and thrive, just as I did.
• Raleigh residents deserve a voice and a vote on city issues. I want to ensure transparency, no more secret voting. Raleigh citizens should be able to have input on how money is spent. The current City Council extended their term and increased their salaries with no vote from you or me! I believe that you should have access to how each council member voted on an issue within 24 hours of a decision. Community feedback is crucial for this city's success!
• As your City Council member, I want to encourage the creation of more available and attainable housing to build a safer, more cohesive, and vibrant community. We need to consider converting and/or removing underutilized properties that drain our resources. There is a deficit of affordable owner-occupied housing like townhomes or condos. Let's evaluate the use of various unused buildings and property and encourage development that increases home ownership opportunities. Everyone in this city deserves the chance to find and own a place they can call "home."

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Raleigh needs to cut debt and unnecessary spending. We currently owe $2 billion. Working families should be able to afford groceries and have money left over to save and enjoy. We also need lower taxes; broadening the tax base can put money back in citizens' pockets, boosting the economy and supporting local businesses, which are the backbone of our city.

Since 2001, Raleigh's population has doubled while the number of police officers has decreased. Make that make sense! Over 50 people move to Raleigh per day, and if we don’t increase our police presence, crime will continue to rise. A safer city means more people enjoying local amenities and supporting small businesses. Let's ensure our community is well-protected so it can thrive!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to public service. Integrity ensures that decisions are made honestly and ethically, while transparency builds trust and keeps the public informed.

Additionally, a genuine dedication to serving the community and addressing its needs is crucial for effective leadership.

Equally important are a willingness to learn and humility, which enable officials to adapt to new information and perspectives while remaining grounded and open to feedback. Being open-minded, approachable, and responsive to constituents also helps in understanding and addressing their concerns. Finally, the ability to balance fiscal responsibility with visionary thinking is essential for making informed decisions that support long-term community growth and stability.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include actively listening to the community , making decisions that are fiscally responsible, and prioritizing the city’s well-being. It is crucial to ensure that Raleigh remains a safe and viable place for families, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. This involves not only addressing immediate safety concerns but also exploring and evaluating new opportunities to promote economic growth and manage the city’s expansion. By focusing on these priorities, elected officials can foster a thriving environment where residents can grow and succeed.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded in Washington, D.C. I was 8 years old at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at T.J Cinnamon's on Six Forks Road. I was 14, and I washed dishes in the back. I worked there for a year and in that year I learned a lot about humility, hard work, and self-motivation—three traits I think translate well into this role.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Obviously, the answer is Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter's version). Her iconic blend of strength, compassion, and justice embodies a powerful yet empathetic hero who fights for truth and equality. With her remarkable courage and unyielding dedication to protecting her community, Wonder Woman inspires a commitment to making the world a better place.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

In all honesty, I do not think previous experience in government or politics is all that beneficial. We have seen more times than not that politicians end up in the service of themselves instead of the service of citizens.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Police Benevolent Association (PBA)

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Raleigh residents deserve a voice and a vote on city issues. I want to ensure transparency, no more secret voting. Raleigh citizens should be able to have input on how money is spent. The current City Council extended their term and increased their salaries with no vote from you or me! I believe that you should have access to how each council member voted on an issue within 24 hours of a decision. Community feedback is crucial for this city's success!

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Raleigh City Council District B

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